The Sacramento region might be bucking a national trend. Several hotels and restaurants tell KCRA 3 that bookings for holiday office parties are up sharply this year.A national survey by executive search firm Battalia Winston found that 8 percent fewer companies planned holiday celebrations for employees this year. That still left 88 percent of companies in the nationwide survey holding a seasonal party.Watch report here: Holiday office parties return in SacramentoThe Paragary Restaurant group, with 13 eateries around the region, said that party bookings are up by nearly 30 percent this year.The eight restaurants with banquet rooms report they are fully booked for the holidays.“That means I could potentially have four events in one day, two going on at the exact same time,” said Melissa Sparks of the Esquire Restaurant.The Citizen Hotel at 10th and J streets reports a somewhat different situation.Catering director Nancy Vasquez said party bookings are similar to 2013, but this year employees are often enjoying better parties."People are actually spending more money at their events,” she said. “Seems like companies are finding some confidence in the economy and they are willing to spend a little bit more money.”Lucca Restaurant managers were all smiles as they explained that party bookings have jumped by 25 percent.On Friday, there were two dinner parties, including 80 employees of Commercial Appliance.“I have noticed that many businesses are adding more employee and they want to give back because the economy is getting so much better,” said Glen Stewart of Lucca Restaurant.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KCRA) —

The Sacramento region might be bucking a national trend. Several hotels and restaurants tell KCRA 3 that bookings for holiday office parties are up sharply this year.

A national survey by executive search firm Battalia Winston found that 8 percent fewer companies planned holiday celebrations for employees this year. That still left 88 percent of companies in the nationwide survey holding a seasonal party.